Environmentalism, the Forest Service, and the Hispano Communities of Northern New Mexico

Abstract

The Hispano communities of northern New Mexico have farmed, ranched, and exploited forest resources since the 1600s. After United States conquest in 1848, much of the common grant land used for subsistence was alienated from the Hispano owners, eventually being managed by the U. S. Forest Service. Thus, continuation of traditional use practices is dependent to a considerable degree upon access to resources on former grant lands that are now federally managed. Increasing federal regulation and environmental litigation impact traditional resource-use practices of Hispano communities, who respond with protests and litigation of their own. This discussion examines causes of land and resource loss within their historical context and also explores the ways in which local communities are attempting to maintain and regain land and resource access. Concepts derived primarily from sociological theories of colonialism and bureaucracy are used to examine land and resource loss, while the concept of ethnic boundary maintenance is used to explore community response to resource loss.